Instructors from Colombia set to tour Saskatchewan as part of an Education for Employment Project

Saskatchewan Polytechnic has been working with Colombia’s National Training Service (SENA) to introduce new and relevant mining curriculum through a three-year Education for Employment (EFE) Program. Eight mining instructors from Colombia took part, last May, in a mine survey camp to learn advanced surveying techniques, use state-of-the-art GPS equipment and perform projects in the field. The camp is part of a six-day study tour to expose instructors to knowledge and teaching techniques to integrate into their own teaching and curriculum in Colombia.

“The project is transferring Saskatchewan and Canadian know-how and experience in developing relevant labour market training to support mining sector development in Colombia,” said Angela Wojcichowsky, director of International Projects at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. “It is tailored to the needs of participating communities and skills training institutions, providing better services to students in small rural mining communities.”

The project was beneficial for both participants and Sask Polytech faculty. “It is our hope that further opportunities will be presented to us to work on other mine-related training so that we can benefit by learning what mine practices do exist on a more global basis,” said Jamie Hilts, dean of the School of Mining, Energy and Manufacturing and the School of Natural Resources and Build Environment.